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SSA Sets 2027 Social Security COLA at 3.6%

By Drooid · Oct 13, 2026, 10:12 PM UTC · How we work

Center

Higher earnings-test limits

The U.S. Social Security Administration will announce the 2027 cost-of-living adjustment on Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026.
Center coverage emphasizes the adjustment is expected to be 3.4%-3.6%, based on the CPI-W index for July-September.
AARP, Senior Citizens League and analyst Mary Johnson forecast COLA at 3.6%, 3.5% and 3.4%.
SSA will raise earnings-test limits to $25,200 for younger workers and $67,200 for full-retirement workers.

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Medicare Premium Offset

The U.S. Social Security Administration will announce the 2027 cost-of-living adjustment on Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026.
Analysts warn the projected 3.5% increase could accelerate depletion of the Old-Age and Survivors Insurance trust fund, risking smaller future checks.
The 3.5-3.6% COLA adds $73-$75 to the average monthly benefit, raising it to about $2,161.
2027 Medicare Part B premiums of $209.50 will be deducted, offsetting much of the COLA gain.

History

Historical Context

President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act on August 14 1935, establishing a payroll-tax-funded insurance program. After the 1970s double-indexing error and the 1983 Greenspan-led reforms that raised taxes and the retirement age, the 2026 trustees report warns the OASI trust fund will be depleted in the fourth quarter of 2032. The SSA’s 2026 cost-of-living adjustment reflects ongoing pressure to preserve solvency.

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Higher earnings-test limits

The U.S. Social Security Administration will announce the 2027 cost-of-living adjustment on Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026.
Center coverage emphasizes the adjustment is expected to be 3.4%-3.6%, based on the CPI-W index for July-September.
AARP, Senior Citizens League and analyst Mary Johnson forecast COLA at 3.6%, 3.5% and 3.4%.
SSA will raise earnings-test limits to $25,200 for younger workers and $67,200 for full-retirement workers.

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